....JUST SO MUCH INTELLECTUAL MASTURBATION?

[The_Traveler]

Jerry, it seems more than a little hostile to tell everyone that they're doing is wrong and what they enjoy is a waste of time - because you don't want to do it.
It seems a little weak to be so passive aggressive and then sign off by telling us you're going to look at a location - like that's what the real photographers are doing while us wannabes are just talkin'

Please, cut that sh!t out.

Recite the Serenity Prayer.

 

[robbins.photo]

Does anyone else appreciate the irony of this post/thread?

Nope. I don't. I hate irony.

 

[minicoop1985]

Does anyone else appreciate the irony of this post/thread?

Nope. I don't. I hate irony.

No, Robbins, you're thinking of ironING.

 

[robbins.photo]

Does anyone else appreciate the irony of this post/thread?

Nope. I don't. I hate irony.

No, Robbins, you're thinking of ironING.

Right.. that thing where you take a hot rock and run it over your shirt. Irony, right? I hate that. Lol

 

[unpopular]

so, how about them turtles?

 

[pixmedic]

Why is it that photography forums--amateur and professional--seem to attract those that like to TALK about photography far more than actually DOING it?

It's very similar to the warning sign I often see when I meet someone who claims to be a professional photographer and ALL they talk about is their EQUIPMENT--they show me NO IMAGES! And, many times, they have NO WEBSITE to show me!

These thoughts just popped-up after reading some of the posts to the "What can one read from a photograph" thread where some of the responces reminded me of the intellectual masturbation spouted by Susan Sontag....

Anyway, just thought I'd stir the hornets nest before leaving to check-out one of my photo-locations.

not to be picky but....
This post seems to imply several things.
first, that you do not fall into the "all talk and no walk" category you feel many pros fall into.
second, that you are privy to some magic number of "photos taken" -vs- "discussions started" ratio that a "pro" should adhere to.

I have yet to see any evidence of either in your tenure here on TPF.
sure...you have a few websites. sure...you are a pretty amazing photographer. And sure, you give great advice culled from half a lifetime of professional photography... but, linking your websites and blogs in your signature does not constitute the same participatory degree on the forum as actually posting your pictures here for discussion, or as examples. Its really only click farming.

I think if you are going to tell us how its done, you should lead by example.

 

[unpopular]

you are a pretty amazing photographer

I think "amazing" is a bit more than generous. In my opinion, judging by the examples on his website, the OP could stand to at least *think* a bit more about art, history and theory.

My larger point is that great photographers spend time thinking about photography as much as they do practicing it.

 

[timor]

My larger point is that great photographers spend time thinking about photography as much as they do practicing it.

I think you so right. Art, and perception of it requires as much talking as actually doing. Maybe even more talking.

 

[imagemaker46]

I spend more time shooting or being involved in anything else but talk about photography. I talk about photography when people ask me questions, I give them my honest answers, sometimes quite blunt, but at least people know where I stand. I run across lots of people that talk great images, but can't shoot them, many of them are better teachers than photographers. I'm not a technical "geek" I really don't care about how my camera works, I care that when I see something and shoot it, that it looks the same or close to the same as what I saw. I get bored talking about all the technical aspects of photography, but also understand that lots of people enjoy talking about shutter speeds, f-stops, and the rule of thirds. Good for them, they have taken the time to learn.

I just take pictures. I always think about what I am going to shoot, I think about how I want something to look, sometimes it happens, and sometimes it doesn't. It's just the way I see things and everyone sees things differently.

 

[Josh66]

"Gear talk" bores the **** out of me. I can browse B&H for that. "Art" discussions don't typically do well here, so I stopped participating in them and/or starting conversations. There is one every now and then that really takes off - for a little bit. It seems like most people either don't get it or don't care and would rather mock it though.

So, I don't know, I basically browse the film sections of the forum once or twice a week and contribute if I can. That is the extent on my contribution here these days.

 

[unpopular]

I concur that gear talk is annoying. But discussing some technical elements is important, and is as much a part as photography as anything else.

Canon v. Nikon w*nking I can definitely do without.

 

[minicoop1985]

I'll admit, I'm bored of Canikon technical specs, but I can talk old film gear all day, and do it fairly often.

 

[bribrius]

you are a pretty amazing photographer

I think "amazing" is a bit more than generous. In my opinion, judging by the examples on his website, the OP could stand to at least *think* a bit more about art, history and theory.

My larger point is that great photographers spend time thinking about photography as much as they do practicing it.

why would he want to learn about art? we do photography.

 

[table1349]

you are a pretty amazing photographer

I think "amazing" is a bit more than generous. In my opinion, judging by the examples on his website, the OP could stand to at least *think* a bit more about art, history and theory.

My larger point is that great photographers spend time thinking about photography as much as they do practicing it.

why would he want to learn about art? we do photography.

 

[unpopular]

you are a pretty amazing photographer

I think "amazing" is a bit more than generous. In my opinion, judging by the examples on his website, the OP could stand to at least *think* a bit more about art, history and theory.

My larger point is that great photographers spend time thinking about photography as much as they do practicing it.

why would he want to learn about art? we do photography.

I didn't choose the troll life...